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Walk and Talk (and Breaking the Style Rut)
On this week’s walk, we’re taking our own advice from last week’s post about the Winter Style Rut, and talking about bringing some color and life into our closets as we move from winter to spring, in hopes of breaking our style rut. We’ve selected some of our favorite pieces to build new outfits that will (hopefully!) inspire us to get dressed every day (that’s a goal, not always reality!).
Using our six tips from last week, we decluttered our closets and moved the pieces that felt more like spring to the front. We also brightened up our outfit combos using lighter colored winter pieces, creating new outfit combos that should take us into spring. Hopefully our ideas below will give you some inspiration to get started.
Your assignment: Time to start breaking the style rut! Take a few minutes to find the lighter colors in your closet and move them front and center. Donate the things you didn’t wear all winter. And create a new outfit from what you have using the brighter/lighter colors. If you find that you need to buy something, look for colors and fabrics that will take you to summer — think layering pieces for now that work under jacks/cardigans. And, finally, wear your new outfit. (We suggest going out to lunch with a friend.) *Bonus points if you take a pic of your outfit and send it to us or tag us on social media.
Megan’s “Breaking the Style Rut” Picks
Christa and I took a quick trip to Nordstrom to check out the spring trends (more on that next week). I find a trip to the mall inspiring for the next season, just window/mannequin shopping helps me get ideas for outfits for the new season. It also shows me the holes in my wardrobe. After cleaning out my winter closet (donating the items I didn’t wear) and moving the lighter colored (but still warm) items to the front, I could see what, if anything, I needed to purchase to keep my wardrobe up to date.
blouse // navy sweatshirt // earrings // bracelets // v neck tee // jeans // sweater jacket // trench coat // white chinos // t strap clogs // scarf // sneakers // shop the whole look here
A FEW NOTES ABOUT MY PICKS…
The first thing I realized on our field trip to the mall was that the floral trend is not going away. I’m not big on busy patterns (i.e. florals). I’m 5’1″ and I feel like patterns overwhelm my smallish frame. But I felt like a floral piece was missing from my wardrobe, so I added this super cute Ulla Johnson top. This is a splurge piece for me, but I can wear these colors a ton of different ways now — and next fall, it will be perfect, too.
My “breaking the style rut” collection isn’t as much of a capsule as Christa’s, but I do think that you can mix and match most things. The navy sweatshirt from Frank and Eileen looks high end with a button down under it now and is just as cute on a summer evening or over a swim suit. I am determined to wear my trench coat more this year. It’s the perfect neutral color and layering piece for spring. Literally, it goes with everything.
I recently watched Your Place or Mine with Reese Witherspoon, and she wears some variation of this neutral t-strap clog throughout the whole movie; with shorts, dresses, skirts and slacks. I added them to my cart list as a spring must have because they seem so versatile. And they make a short girl look and feel taller.
AND A FEW OUTFIT IDEAS…
SHOP LOOK 1 // SHOP LOOK 2 // SHOP LOOK 3
Christa’s “Breaking the Style Rut” Picks
When I was done organizing in my closet (one of our tips for breaking your style rut), I found I created a little mini-capsule wardrobe, a week of outfits with just 10 pieces (it’s actually more but I’m not counting the accessories)! I’ll also add this cute pink utility jacket (or maybe this green one — still deciding!) to go with everything.
Should I do this every season?
floral blouse // pink sweater // grey sweater // white blouse // sunglasses (top // bottom) // bootcut denim // camo pants (on sale!) // crossbody // beige flats (more details below) // sneakers // boots // shop the whole look here
A FEW NOTES ABOUT MY PICKS…
I used Megan’s tip and basically moved the lighter colors front and center, including the denim. By organizing my closet, I realized I already own most of these items (or similar versions) so I only purchased a pink sweater, beige flats and the lighter denim itty bitty boot cuts. The white short sleeve blouse is perfect as a layering piece under a utility jacket or cardigan, and also nice for days that start cold/end warm.
I recently added in this new pair of camo pants (they have the Wit & Wisdom “Ab-Solution” technology we love). I consider these camo pants a neutral because they work with almost everything (I especially love them paired with pink). With my lighter colors grouped together in my closet, it will be easy to get ready as the weather gets warmer.
Pro tip: My blouse is from Stitch Fix. Did you know you can shop Stitch Fix without doing a subscription? They have a Freestyle section, and, as a bonus, your “style profile” helps curate a list of recommended outfits when you’re shopping, making it even easier.
AND A FEW OUTFIT IDEAS…
SHOP LOOK 1 // SHOP LOOK 2 // SHOP LOOK 3
What We’re Watching
CHRISTA : While you’re waiting for more Yellowstone this summer, try 1923, the Yellowstone prequel on Paramount+. I honestly can’t say I was sold on it after episode one, but I kept watching and now I look forward to a new episode each week. Harrison Ford as a cowboy might be my least favorite part of the show, but I do love the whole Spencer/Alex storyline in Africa and Helen Mirren is one tough rancher’s wife!
And in other Yellowstone news, did you see they are negotiating with Matthew McConaughey for a new Yellowstone series?
MEGAN : We watched Sharper (Apple TV), it’s a psychological thriller, kind of a film noir if you will. Lot’s of twists and turns and just when you think you’ve figured it out, well you haven’t. All star cast, John Lithgow and Julianne Moore are fantastic and if you’re wondering where you’ve seen Max before…well he played Tommy in Pam and Tommy. You see a lot less of him in this movie.
What We’re Reading
MEGAN : Just started Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. It came highly recommended from our stylish friend, Chrissy. I’ll share my review when I finish it.
What We’re Listening To
MEGAN : Has everyone been enjoying Yacht Rock with Alexa? This week try “Hits from the 90s”. You’re welcome.
What We’re Eating
MEGAN : I’ve been trying to eat more protein lately, especially at breakfast. Here is my lastest favorite way to start the day.
High Protein Oatmeal
www.StyleAmongFriends.com
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 cup quick cook oats I use Bob's Red Mill
- 1/4 cup egg whites
- 1/8 cup raw pecans or walnuts- whatever nuts you have
- 1/8 cup raisins
- 1 drizzle maple syrup
Instructions
- bring milks and chia seeds to a boil over medium heat on stove
- add egg whites, stir
- add oats, stir
- add raisins and nuts, stir until oats are cooked -- about 5 min.
- pour in a bowl and drizzle with maple syrup
Something You Might Have Missed
CHRISTA : This is the Super Bowl ad you might have missed, but need to see. Bringing back memories of the countless hours spent getting the whole family to agree on which movie to rent (only to find out it was already checked out)! Read more about how the ad was created here.
Something for your Hair
CHRISTA : I am far from a hair expert or beauty blogger, but I wanted to share how I’ve been curling my hair. I finally learned the trick with my curling iron, and it’s so easy to do now! Practice is key — and studying YouTube videos like you’re a teenager helps, too! Everything I use is linked below.
STEP 1
After blow drying my hair, I use velcro rollers along my part in four sections — two big rollers at the back and two small rollers at the front. I just take as much hair as will fit around the roller. This should give a little extra volume, but more importantly it helps me keep the top layer out of the way while I curl the bottom layer.
STEP 2
I start in the front and work my way around with the curling iron (for my shorter hair, I prefer this 1″ curling iron from T3). alternating curling away from my face and towards my face — and always do the front sections away from my face. Ddon’t worry if some of the underneath layers of hair don’t get curled — it doesn’t really make a difference. The key for me: I studied videos, especially this tutorial for her overall curling process and the video below for the important twist technique.
Once I get the curls all around, then I hit the four sections in the rollers, curling them all away from my face. You can play with the angle of your curling iron on the front sections to get the look you want.
STEP 3
Let the curls cool before you do anything with them. This is a good time to get dressed or put on your makeup or catch up on emails.
STEP 4
I use a wide tooth comb (or my fingers) and gently separate the curls here and there just to blend them.
STEP 5
If I need some ends to be straighter, I take the curling iron and flatten some of them (I don’t like them to curl under). I just use the same curling iron and flatten a piece here and there.
That’s it. And again, the key for me was studying the “wrap and twist” video and working on that twist with the curling iron. Don’t get frustrated. It took me a month of trying every day to get the curls right. When I finally got the twist down, it all clicked and now I can curl my hair in under five minutes. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.
SHOP FOR YOUR HAIR
Something Just For Fun
CHRISTA : My son sent me this link — he gets me! To all our Diet Coke fans, have you seen the Tom Hanks Diet Coke Champagne cocktail? Should we try it or does it sound like a hard pass?
When We Think Alike…
Recently we both purchased the Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment without knowing what the other one was up to (and we both love it). Now it’s area rugs! Of all the runner rugs out there, we both purchased the exact same Ruggable rug/pattern for our kitchens. There must some magical telepathy thing happening through the blog!
MEGAN : This is my second Ruggable, first one is in the basement by the muddy back door. During my kitchen reno I knew I needed something durable, washable, dog friendly and cute for my two high traffic paths and I could not be happier with my choice. I selected the extra padded version and it’s the perfect amount of cushion. Oh and my dog loves it too.
CHRISTA : I have a lot of Ruggable rugs. IMO, they are a MUST if you have pets. Stylish AND washable. That’s a win. Check out this post from last May to see my Ruggables throughout my home…one dog, one puppy, and two cats, so these are a lifesaver! And a new rug is a great way of “breaking the style rut” in your home and bring in the Spring
Pro tip: We recommend you order samples of Ruggables before purchasing. Three 10×10 samples are $15. Click here for details.
Something that’s Empty
MEGAN : Ok, so it’s probably no big surprise to anyone that I am beauty product junkie. Last year my SIL gave me a bottle of NUXE oil that she got in France. She’s much younger than me and didn’t need the hydrating benefits. I soaked that stuff up (pun intended). Fast forward 6 months, when I was in Paris in July I went straight to a pharmacy and bought myself another bottle. Well I should have bought two. Thank goodness for friends that travel to the fancy French islands and bring you back pharmacy treasures. Meanwhile, I found it on Amazon. Guess I won’t have to go back to Paris next time.
This body/hair/face oil is amazing. I slather it on my face at night, rub it into my cuticles and swipe it through my hair on shampoo days. It smells expensive and keeps my skin hydrated.
Save vs. Splurge
CHRISTA : We’re not just about spending (contrary to what our husbands might think!) — we also love a good “save vs. splurge.” So, let’s talk about the flats from my “breaking the style rut” collage. They’re actually really comfortable, look great and come in lots of colors — and they’re UNDER $30! (Sizing tip: I sized up.) I definitely recommend them, but maybe not to wear if you plan to be on your feet all day or walking a lot.
What’s Happening on the Blog
The most popular link from last week is holding steady in the #1 spot again! You guys are LOVING these pjs. There are 18 colors/patterns, and they even come in shorts! Amazon knows a girl likes to be comfy when she lounges and sleeps. If you want to jump on the bandwagon, check out this color. Our new fav.
…and Last Year on the Blog
What’s in my bag? | Purse Edition – Purses are definitely one of our favorite fashion topics, and we shared our favorites, along with what’s inside.
Weekly Walk and Talk | 02.25.22 – This week, we shared recent Amazon purchases (the popular shower tabs made their blog debut!) , discussed vacation plans, and enjoyed Megan’s recipe for enchiladas. We also shared some “must have” items — a travel bag and some new sheets. We’ve updated the links, so go check it out.
Christa’s Links
- 1923, the Yellowstone prequel on Paramount+
- maybe the best Super Bowl ad
- 1″ curling iron from T3 and this tutorial for curling beach waves
- Tom Hanks Diet Coke Champagne cocktail
- Save vs. Splurge shoes
Megan’s Links
- Sharper (Apple TV)
- Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
- Alexa, play “Hits from the 90s!”
- NUXE oil
- Ruggable runner for our kitchens
Is there something you’re looking for? Let us know! Drop us a note and we’ll get right on it!
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I love Ruggable too.
Great tip on the Nuxe oil online…I was wondering if it could be found there!😀
You can count on Megan to find the “hard to find!” 😊
I’m loving the splash of color in this week’s outfit ideas! I’m stuck on winter whites, grays, and blacks. Thanks for the inspiration to add those colors again!
We’re right there with you on the grays and blacks! But a few minutes in our closets finding things we love that felt lighter and brighter (and a little rearranging) makes all the difference!